We, the undersigned diverse coalition of environmental groups, public health organizations, business associations and public interest organizations, write today to express support of legislation you recently introduced, S. 1666, the “Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Act of 2009.” Our organizations applaud your leadership in seeking to affirm a “science-first” policy with respect to mid-level ethanol blends (gasoline blends containing more than 10 percent ethanol, but less than 85 percent, such as E15 or E20). Your legislation would strengthen consumer and environmental protections embedded in the Clean Air Act that require significant testing before a new fuel is introduced, and enable additional, independent scientific evaluation of mid-level ethanol fuels.

We collectively support this approach and stand united in our view that independent, rigorous and verifiable testing showing that mid-level ethanol blends do not pose a risk to gasoline-powered engines, public health, the environment or consumers be completed before any effort to introduce this fuel into commerce is undertaken.